A Divine One

Chapter 2 Troubled Boy

Four years Later

The chill of the dark, relentless winds persisted throughout the heart of Washington, the city of Tulia Wood, enveloping the bustling scene of teenagers on their way to school. Some strolled on the concrete pathways, while others rushed past in cars or remained out of sight, perhaps uninterested in the day's academic obligations. Throughout the progression of time, the entire student body eventually found their way into the classrooms, spaces where educators strived to make learning an engaging experience. As the winds continued to gust with more intensity, all could be observed making their way to their designated classes, a sight that became a routine occurrence. Among the students, roughly half could be seen traversing towards their destinations once the school bell chimed, engaging in animated conversations en route. Inside the classroom, a typical high school setting unfolded, characterized by chatter, monotony, restlessness, and periodic bursts of loudness.

"Is Rebecca present?" 

inquired the teacher, prompting a response from the attentive student. 

"Here!"

 came Rebecca's prompt reply. The teacher continued down the roster, calling out names for attendance purposes. 

"Angel?" 

was the next call, to which the student readily answered, 

"Right here." 

The teacher's gaze shifted to the next name on the list, 

"Pudge?" 

met with silence. Repeating the name, the teacher sought a response from a seemingly absent student, 

"Rozen?" 

Silence lingered, prompting an assumption that the individual was absent. However, a few moments later, a slender Puerto Rican youth entered the room, his distinct features showcasing nearly coal-black fluffy hair, a dark hoodie, and light brown eyes framed by a dark coat worn for warmth. Nonchalantly accepting his habitual tardiness, the young man faced the teacher's remark, 

"You're late." 

Undeterred, Rozen retorted with a jovial assurance, 

"Hey, I promise I won't be late next time." 

The teacher's stern response hinted at previous tardiness, to which Rozen simply shrugged, sporting a mischievous grin as he settled into a seat at the back of the room.

Transitioning into the lesson, the teacher delved into the basics of forensics, a subject that failed to captivate Rozen's interest, leading to his early boredom. With an air of indifference and a blank expression, Rozen mulled over thoughts of evading the class altogether. 

"Just ten more minutes, and I can slip out of here. There are more important things I could be doing than this shit," 

his inner dialogue pondered. Subsequently, the teacher directed the students to their designated workstations, presenting Rozen with the opportunity to contemplate his escape. 

"Miss, Teacher!!" 

he interjected, hastening his approach. 

"Can I quickly step out for a bathroom break?" 

Despite sensing Rozen's underlying motive, the teacher gave him a disapproving look and begrudgingly granted permission, suspecting his ulterior motive. 

"You say break, Rozen, but I say you're attempting to skip," she remarked. Unfazed by her skepticism, Rozen flashed a sheepish grin and assured, 

"I promise to be back promptly!" Grateful for the pass, he chimed,